FOOTBALL presenter Ali Douglas told yesterday how she has retired the little red dress she wore for her Old Firm debut.

The Sky telly girl wore the low-cut number for the big match in October but says she'll never live it down after fans flooded onto internet forums where her outfit became a hot topic.

The stunning broadcaster said: "I thought it looked nice but the red dress turned into a bit of a talking point."

And she is leaving the outfit at home when she presents the Sunday Mail Sports Awards 2009 at a star-studded ceremony on Thursday.

She said: "I will be wearing an amazing Hollywood-style, champagne-coloured dress. I love it so much that I have a long and short version of it.

"It's great to get the opportunity to dress up unless you are wearing a red dress at the Old Firm!"

For her day job at Sky Sports she interviews football stars but, for one night only, Ali will be honouring the country's sporting heroes.

35-year-old says she is looking forward to hosting the awards.

Ali, who is now based in London, said: "I am thrilled that I am going to be involved in something that honours Scotland's top sportsmen and women. I am really looking forward to it.

"Plus, I really love coming back to Scotland. I usually get quite emotional about it because my visits home are few and far between.

"Last time I was in Glasgow was for the Old Firm game in October so it's nearly two months now since I've been up."

Supported by Sportscotland, the national agency for sport, the Sports Awards will see amateur and professional sportsmen and women pick up awards in 11 hotly-contested categories, including Sport of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Sporting Event of the Year and Local Heroes.

But for most people, including co-host Ali, the highlight of the night will be the naming of the Sports Personality of the Year.

Up for the coveted title are golf star Catriona Matthew who won the Women's British Open, World Champion snooker player John Higgins, tennis ace Andy Murray the world No.2, racing driver Dario Franchitti and last year's Lifetime Achievement Award winner Sir Alex Ferguson, who is still making history as manager of Manchester United.

Ali, who yesterday presented Sky Sports' coverage of the SPL match between Aberdeen and Rangers, predicts that Andy Murray may just have the edge.

She said: "I am torn between him and Sir Alex Ferguson but he has won so many accolades.

"I have a huge respect for what Andy Murray has done.

"Given his age, he's achieved a hell of a lot and has overcome a lot of criticism in the press.

"Sir Alex Ferguson has proven himself but it's nice to support young talent and encourage the stars of the future."

Ask Ali to name her ultimate sporting hero and she struggles to pick just one before opting for Rangers icon John Greig who she describes as "an absolute footballing legend" and the football stars of that generation.

She said: "In the 1960s sport was far less commercial and these football legends used to travel to training by bike or on the train.

"They were so passionate about the sport and that passion was all that drove them. I love the magic of that era."

Thursday's awards ceremony sees Ali being reunited with an old pal from her STV days, Stephen Jardine of The Hour, who is co-hosting the glamorous event.

Ali, who launched her presenting career with STV on kids' show Skoosh!, said: "We've never actually worked together before but we used to enjoy a bit of banter in the make-up room at Scottish TV.